The Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Composite Veneers

 

Both Composite and porcelain veneers perform similar functions in enhancing the appearance of your smiles while boosting your confidence level. Unlike crowns which are a restorative and reparative treatment for damaged tooth structure, dental veneers are purely a cosmetic dentistry treatment option. In the hands of our experienced Germantown dentists, both these veneer types can provide you with a beautiful smile.

So how do you know which option is the best one for you? The answer here depends upon what you are hoping to accomplish and what is more important to you: cost, appearance, the durability of the veneers, and more. Our team of dentists at Advanced Dental Center will explain the difference between composite and porcelain veneers to help you decide.  

Porcelain Veeners

This particular veneer type is made from thin porcelain laminate material, currently considered the best-of-the-best in dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are not only long-lasting and durable but also a permanent restorative yet unremovable treatment once bonded to the tooth.

The complete procedure for porcelain veneers takes about two appointments. During the first appointment, the cosmetic dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from your teeth, about 0.5mm thick, so that your teeth can support the thickness of the veneers. The next step the dentist undertakes is to get your teeth impressions and teeth color match. They then send off these details to the laboratory, which takes about a week to complete custom restorations of the permanent veneers. When the permanent veneers are completed, your Germantown dentist will provide you with temporary dental veneers.

Once the permanent veneer is complete, your dentist will call you for a second appointment where they will use bonding cement to stick the porcelain veneer to your natural teeth and send you home.  

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are made from organic and inorganic material, including resin, some fillers, and a coupling agent. However, the bonding material used with these veneers is the same as regular dental fillings. Like porcelain veneers, composite veneers are also a permanent restorative treatment option. However, unlike their alternative, these dental veneers are of two types;

· Direct Composite Veneers is the least invasive treatment option where your Germantown dentist will apply the resin directly to the teeth. This type of veneer application is completed in a single visit.

· Indirect Composite Veneers are somewhat similar to porcelain veneers in structure as a resin shell is prepared inside a lab while your tooth is prepped up for the bonding process. These composite veneers are more durable than the direct ones though somewhat costlier.

Which Option is Better?

 

The best way to find out which dental veneer is more suitable for you is to speak with the best cosmetic dentists from Advanced Dental Center. Tell us about your personal needs and aesthetic goals, and our team of professionals will work with you side by side to find a form of dental veneer restorative treatment that works best for you. If you want to learn more about dental veneers, please reach out to us.